Perdana Leadership Foundation Open Day 2015

Saturday, 21 November 2015

Members of the public enjoy a day of games and merriment at Perdana Leadership Foundation's Open Day 2015

Putrajaya, 21 November - The normally quiet enclave at the end of Precinct 8 was a buzz of activity today as hundreds of children and adults enjoyed a fitness talk by Kevin Zahri, watched a cooking demonstration by Raja Zarith Sofiah, purchased books, participated in contests, won lucky draws and generally had a good time at the Perdana Leadership Foundation Open Day 2015. Visitors were also surprised by the appearance of YABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the Honorary President of the Foundation, and his wife, YABhg Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Hj Mohd Ali. They presented prizes to the colouring contest winners and toured the stalls as well as exhibits at the Foundation.

The Open Day is part of Perdana Leadership Foundation's ongoing programme of public outreach. "Not many people know that the Perdana Library within the Foundation is open to the public nor that we have digitised and processed more than six hundred thousand records consisting of speeches, public policy papers, photographs and audio video materials related to the Prime Ministers of Malaysia. We would like to encourage more members of the public to visit the Foundation, understand what we do as an archive and research centre, and become active users of our Library resources," said Tan Sri Nik Mohamed Nik Yaacob, Executive Director of Perdana Leadership Foundation.

Fitness Coach Kevin Zahri of JK1M fame delivered an hour-long speech on the importance of fitness and how exercises could be incorporated into an otherwise sedentary work day. Raja Zarith Sofiah unveiled her latest culinary creations at a cooking demonstration (her recipe can be downloaded here), while Misrata Buskers entertained the crowd with covers of popular songs. MPH’s mini bookfair was also a hit, offering visitors a wide selection of English and Malay novels as well as toys and stationery. The Open Day included various other activities such as an impromptu speech contest, lucky draws, colouring contests, and board games. There were also free medical check-ups provided by the National Heart Institute (IJN) as well as booths by Berita Publishing and PNB. Winners walked home with cash, PLF merchandise and hampers while the top lucky draw winner walked away with a 32” TV.

This is the fourth Perdana Leadership Foundation Open Day. Prizes for the Open Day were contributed by MPH Bookstores Sdn. Bhd., Junaid Marketing & Distributors, iGraphix Sdn Bhd and Cyberview Lodge.

About Perdana Leadership Foundation Perdana Leadership Foundation was set up in 2003 with the aim of preserving, developing and disseminating materials by and on Malaysia’s past Prime Ministers. Believing that past leadership can yield valuable insights for future development, the Foundation’s mission is to increase awareness and appreciation of Malaysia’s rich leadership heritage. The Perdana Leadership Foundation Open Day was organised to introduce the Foundation, the Perdana Library and its facilities to members of the public. Established in 2004, the Perdana Library houses digital and physical records on the contributions of Malaysia’s past Prime Ministers as well as issues related to nation-building. To date, the Library contains more than six hundred thousand digital records consisting of speeches, Parliamentary Hansards, news clippings, journal articles and AV materials, and holds more than 9,000 physical titles.